Ed 240: Free Meetups, Bar West, Binge-Worthy Content
Hi, friends!👋
Last week we asked what TV shows, podcasts, and books you’ve been binging lately, and you guys delivered. We can’t keep what we’re unwilling to give away, right? So, here’s the list of recs if your TBR/TBS (To Be Streamed — I made it up, I think) is a little light. Speaking of which, have you joined our members-only book club? You still have time to read Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow before our next meetup on Thursday, January 26 at Virago Spirits starting at 6 pm.
I’m personally super excited about the podcast recs, including RadioLab, Terrible, Thanks for Asking, and If Books Could Kill, to name a few. Thanks for sharing so many with us. I hope you discover something new and interesting to dive into next!
Now that we’ve covered that, let’s get back to our usual shenanigans. Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including not one but two free meetups, a revamped restaurant opening Friday, and more.
WEATHER
Wednesday: Partly cloudy; high of 65°, low of 44°
Thursday: Showers; high of 68°, low of 46°
Friday: Mostly sunny; high of 54°, low of 31°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm: Dominion Energy Jazz Cafe
Thursday, 6 - 9 pm: Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop
Friday, 8:30 - 10 am: Creative Mornings With Dr. Hollee Freeman on Sanctuary
CITY GUIDES
1. A GUIDE TO RICHMOND’S COVERED, HEATED PATIOS BY NEIGHBORHOOD
Image: @scissorsmakecents
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Kelly Cahen: In 2009, Kelly opened 1213 Hair Studio located in The Fan. She has been recognized both locally and nationally as a stylist and business owner. She has since published a book, Scissors Make Cents: Business, Ethics & Empowerment Essentials for Running a Hair Salon, where shares the behind-the-chair secrets she wishes she had known at the start. When Kelly isn’t busy running her salon, you can find her sharing her tips for success through business coaching and mentoring.
THE LATEST:
SOCIAL NEWS
Broadway in Richmond: Some pretty stellar shows are coming to Altria Theater through their Broadway in Richmond series, most of which have limited tickets left for sale, so peek at the schedule and grab them now! Hairspray is on stage January 24-29, with tickets starting at $41.40. Others include Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, and Bluey!
All the cool kids are doing it: Not drinking, that is. Three Notch’d launched their nonalcoholic line, Uncool, which includes two IPAs, a Citra wheat, a Pils, and a sour. With Gen Zers drinking less than Millennials (and Millennials drinking less than both Gen X and Baby Boomers), there’s a clear demand for NA options at breweries, bars, and restaurants. You can try Uncool at the taproom or pick up cans at Total Wine, Kroger, or Wegmans. (Instagram)
In (South) Philadelphia born and raised: The Fan is getting a new neighborhood spot from a cast of folks already known in the RVA restaurant scene. Stanley’s is slated to open in March and will serve Philly-style hoagies along with other Philadelphia and South Jersey favorites. Taking over The Robin Inn, Stanley’s will keep most of the wood-paneled aesthetic intact. (Richmond BizSense)
Out with the old: ICYMI over on the ‘gram, Paige has been popping into Bar West (what used to be Cocodrilo) to offer her input as the team revamps the space and menu! Bar West will shift the concept from upscale, Latin-inspired dining to a casual bar-restaurant vibe with TVs and an impressive rear patio perfect for hanging out and catching up. Bar West opens this Friday.
Free coffee meetup: Save the date for next Wednesday, January 25, as HYPE (Helping Young Professional Engage) hosts Cups of Connection, a free quarterly coffee meetup for young professionals in the Richmond region (regardless of industry or background). Grab a friend, get to know other YPs, and learn more about HYPE! Coffee, hot tea, and pastries will be available for attendees, and specialty drinks for purchase at the coffee bar. Attendees will also be able to tour the event spaces and guest rooms!
If you’re feeling super social: CreativeMornings, another awesome free meetup, is happening this Friday 8:30 - 10:30 am at the American Civil War Museum. CM is a free, global monthly breakfast lecture series that takes place in 220+ cities in 67 countries, with our very own chapter here in RVA! Each chapter creates a unique experience and dialogue centered around the same theme. Local creatives are invited to speak with the flexibility to approach the theme entirely through their eyes. This month's theme is Sanctuary, and the speaker is Dr. Hollee Freeman. The goal is to inspire one another, support each other, collaborate, and forge relationships. Grab a free ticket here.
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🥐 We are drooling after watching Eater’s YouTube feature of Sub Rosa’s pear and ricotta croissant. Did you know Sub Rosa is one of North America's only wood-fired retail bakeries?
🚗 If, at any point in the future, you think your car may have been towed within city limits, you can check this new handy database.
Image: @vawineexpo
Weekly Giveaway
Virginia Wine Expo
International Meritage Celebration
This special event is part of the Virginia Wine Expo! The International Meritage Celebration is happening at Main Street Station on Thursday, March 2, from 7 - 10 pm. Experience the world’s premier Meritage (Bordeaux-style blend) tasting, highlighted by Meritage wines primarily from Virginia, California, Washington State, Australia, Chile, Argentina, and Bordeaux, France.
This luxurious comparative tasting offers a unique opportunity to taste many of Virginia's most coveted and award-winning wines and learn how they stack up to other highly regarded Bordeaux blend wines from around the world.
This week, we’re giving away two tickets to the International Meritage Celebration ($238 value!)
To enter, tell us: Who will you bring with you if you win?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Kate M., for winning a $25 gift card to Stella’s Grocery!
Image: @naninstudio
Member Perks
Na Nin
Na Nin was started in 2009 as a vintage clothing line celebrating a love of nostalgia and kindness. In 2014 the brand introduced a collection of signature fragrances inspired by music and personal memories.
Today Na Nin continues to expand its offerings with an in-house line of clothing, vintage, and fragrances alongside a curated selection of items by independent designers.
Members of The Richmond Experience can use code RVAX20 for 20% off online orders or mention The Richmond Experience in-store and receive 20% off purchases PLUS a free travel-size candle when you spend more than $75. (Discounts cannot be applied to previously placed orders, and only one discount code can be applied per purchase.)
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 27 new members this week: Patricia H., Colin B., Geraldine F., Richelle H., Miranda S., Tiara T., Alex S., Stephen P., Katie D., Jada R., Ben R., Sarah F., Sarah D., Zachary M., Janelle T., Nadia Z., Remmie A., Hajer E., Hollie R., Anne A., Delilah B., Lyndee C., Sarah A., Heather G., Gina S., Ioana C., and Stacey B., we’re so glad you’re here!
It takes a village, so let us know if you have any questions, thoughts, feedback, tips, or recs! Thanks for reading edition 240 of The Weekly Insider.
Have a great week!
- The Richmond Experience
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